Raise your hand if you have ever felt worn out, stressed and at your wit’s end?

I’m pretty sure we have all been there at one point or another. Maybe you’re feeling it at this very moment. My hope and prayer is that you will feel encouraged and able to find rest and balance in whatever situation you are facing.

Rest is important for every single one of us. We need to be rested in order to attack our to do list, succeed in our jobs, and be present with our families. Without rest, I have found that I am not as impactful. But our bodies are the only part of us that demands it.

Let’s take it a step further and talk about the rest that our souls need. For us to be a light in this world, we need to be connected to the source of that light – Jesus. The connection is living every day in worship and thanksgiving. It is studying the word and allowing the Lord to fill us with a fresh vision, wisdom, and encouragement for us to pour into others. I picture a well overflowing with water and saturating the ground around it.  

In Matthew 11:28-30, we are told,

“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This promise has been a great reminder to me that when I am tapped out, I can boldly go to the Lord and ask him for strength and true rest. Not just that, but he also promises to teach us what it looks like to rest with him. Only then am I able to refocus on eternal things and set aside the worry of worldly things.

In addition, to continue to stay focused on Christ, it is so valuable for us to plant ourselves in a faith-filled community. Resting in the midst of a strong honorable community where I can be held accountable and encouraged allows me to be myself and transparent. To have others that will, love and pray for me and consistently remind me that I am not alone in whatever I am walking through is so invaluable. This is the reason we are called to walk with other believers and be connected to them.

This is an avenue for us to find rest for our souls as Christ promised.